Cyber life electronic networking and commerce operating exchange

ABSTRACT

A cyber-life electronic commerce and system control device is disclosed having a three dimensional or other image of an area stored on a server. An operating exchange interfaces with the image to enable an individual to manipulate virtual control elements within the operating exchange. A visible light embedded communication system is used as the backbone to communicate commands from the operating exchange to a building operating system control item in order to alter the setting or status of a building operating system. The operating exchange may also be used by a consumer to virtually explore a cyber-retail location and to engage in commercial activities.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application and claims priority fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/597,648 filed on Jan. 15, 2015,currently abandoned. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/597,648 filedon Jan. 15, 2015 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/927,663 filed Jan. 15, 2014, the entire contents of which isexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

The subject matter of this application is also related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/597,518 filed Jan. 15, 2015, the entire contentsof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In the past, individuals have been required to physically walk to abuilding system control device to alter a building system status. Twoexamples of building system control devices may be light switches and/ora thermostat. In many cases a building system is electrically coupled toa building system control device by wires.

In some modern structures, the control of a building system may beprovided by an on-site computer, provided that a user may identify thecurrent location of the electronic file for the control of the buildingsystem on the facility computer or server.

In the past it has been difficult for individuals to locate a buildingsystem control device, because either the building system and/or thebuilding system control device has been stored within folders,sub-folders, and/or individual files on a facility computer system. Inthese instances, extensive time and expenditures have been required inthe training of individuals to access and manipulate building systemcontrol items. In addition, cultural, educational and language barriershave made training problematic and costly in some instances.

In the past, individuals have been required to be physically present ina building or at a retail location to engage in the control of abuilding system or engage in commercial activities. Alternatively, inorder to engage in commerce, an individual was required to use anelectronic device to visit a website to browse or search for pictorialimages or descriptions of items for purchase. An individual was requiredto use an actuator such as a mouse or button to select items forpurchase. The individual was then required to type or enter electronicpayment information to complete a transaction.

It has not been known to provide a user-friendly system to engage inbuilding system control management, or to improve commerce, through theprovision of an operating exchange having an operating system incommunication with a visible light embedded communication system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a cyber-lifeelectronic commerce and system control device having an operatingexchange which is used in conjunction with a visible light embeddedcommunication system to regulate and manage controls for buildingoperating systems as well as to improve a purchaser's on-line electronicretail commerce experience.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a computer server is provided, the server having astored three dimensional image of a building, structure, area, or retaillocation. In some embodiments a computer/server is in communication withan visible light embedded communication system and/or a system controldevice. In some embodiments an operating exchange and operating systemis provided where the operating system is stored on the server whichinteracts with the stored three dimensional images of a structure/retaillocation in order to provide to an individual an interface to a buildingoperating system control device and/or items within a retail location.In some embodiments the interface is in communication with the operatingexchange and at least one control item for a building operating systemor at least one item within a three dimensional representation of aretail location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual is interfacing with an operating exchange incommunication with a visible light communication system to engage inelectronic commerce activities.

FIG. 1B is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual interfacing with the operating exchange has selectedand is about to enter into a virtual retail location as depicted in FIG.1A.

FIG. 2A is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual interfacing with the operating exchange is virtuallymoving down an Isle of a virtual retail location as depicted in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2B is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual interfacing with the operating exchange has selecteda virtual item from the virtual Isle of FIG. 2A and is proceeding to acustomer service location of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 2C is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual interfacing with the operating exchange iscommunicating with a customer service representative at a customerservice location to complete and an electronic commercial transaction.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual is interfacing with an operating exchange for astructure.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual interfacing with the operating exchange is virtuallyentering into a structure.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual interfacing with the operating exchange is virtuallymoving down a hallway of a structure as depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual interfacing with the operating exchange is virtuallyentering into an office along the virtual hallway of FIG. 5, within thestructure.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionwhere an individual interfacing with the operating exchange is virtuallyaccessing a control element access panel of a building operating systemwithin a virtual office of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of the inventionof an LED light fixture of a visible light embedded communication systemincluding a camera, microphone, and LED light panel.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an interface forcommunication with one embodiment of an operating exchange.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a visible lightcommunication system.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation of one embodiment of an interfacefor an operating exchange in communication with a visible light embeddedcommunication system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a data packet used witha communication within a visible light embedded communication system.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a building, structure or facility 12, includes aplurality of building operating systems 14, example of which include butare not necessarily limited to light systems, intercom or public addresssystems, fire alarm systems, HVAC systems, elevator control systems,security systems, and plumbing systems to name a few. In someembodiments, each building operating system 14 may include a buildingoperating system control item 16 which may be used to control orregulate the applicable building operating system 14.

In some embodiments, building operating system control items 16 arecentrally located and in other embodiments the building operating systemcontrol items 16 are located adjacent to the respective buildingoperating system 14. In some embodiments one or more building operatingsystem control items 16 may be electrically connected and incommunication with a facility computer/server/controller through the useof wires 70.

In alternative embodiments, a building structure or facility 12 mayinclude a plurality of LED light fixtures 18, where each LED lightfixture 18 is constructed and arranged and/or adjusted to engage invisible light embedded communication activities to provide visible lightcommunication. A more complete description of visible light embeddedcommunications is disclosed in United States patent Numbers and patentapplication numbers: Ser. No. 14/557,705; 14/546,223; 14/546,218;14/537,470; 14/290,152; 14/288,917; 14/270,670; 14/227,375; 14/208,129;14/208,125; 14/208,103; 14/208,090; 14/207,955; 14/207,934; 14/050,765;13/706,864; 61/927,663; 61/927,638; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,879,263; 7,046,160;7,439,847; 7,902,978; 8,188,861; 8,188,878; 8,188,879; 8,330,599;8,331,790; 8,542,096; 8,543,505; 8,571,411; 8,593,299; 8,687,965;8,744,267; 8,751,390; 8,886,045; 8,890,655; 8,890,773; and 8,902,076,the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by references in theirentireties.

In some embodiments, one or more building operating control items 16include or are connected to a light emitting diode 20, photodetector orphotodiode 22, and/or a controller 24, in any combination. The buildingoperating control items 16 may also be connected, coupled or engaged tomotors, valves, or the mechanical or electrical devices which may beoperated by electrical signals to change the status and or the settingof a building operating system control item 16.

In some embodiments, not all of the control items 16 are required toinclude LED communication devices, and some control items 16 will be indirect communication with a building operating system 14 via wires 70.In alternative embodiments, a control item 16 may be wired, where thewire extends to an intermediate pulsed light communication hub 26. Theintermediate pulsed light communication hub 26 includes a uniquelocation identifier 28, controller 24, photodetector(s) 22 and LED's 20and is adapted to receive pulsed light communication signals whichalternatively may be referenced to as visible light embeddedcommunication signals. The controller 24 of the pulsed lightcommunication hub 26 processes received pulsed light communicationsignals for conversion into electrical signals, to be passed over thewire 70 to a particular control item 16, to change the status of thecontrol item 16 and building operating system 14.

In some embodiments, each LED light fixture 18, LED dongle device 30,and each control item 16 includes processors/controllers 24, LED's 20,and photodetectors 22 to generate and/or receive visible light embeddedcommunications within a pulsed light communication system. The embeddedpulsed light signals may communicate information as to the status of aLED light fixture 18, dongle 30 or control item 16. In some embodiments,each control item 16 of a building operating system 14, such as alighting system, heating system, security system, monitoring system,metering system, recording system, speaker system, elevator system toname a few, either has an integral LED photodetector 22 and/orcontroller 24 and LED's 20 for embedded pulsed light communications.Alternatively an operating system 14 or control item 16 may beretro-fitted to include an LED communication device such as a dongledevice 30 to receive embedded pulsed LED light communication signalsfrom an LED light fixture 18, and to generate and communicate embeddedpulsed LED light signals for receipt by an LED light fixture 18 toprovide information in response to a status inquiry.

In some embodiments, each control item 16 may include sensors, meters,controllers/processors 24, photodetectors 22, and LED's 20 to receiveand to generate embedded pulsed light communication signals to afacility control unit 32. In some embodiments, each control item 16 mayfunction to be electrically connected to, and in communication with,motors, devices, servo motors, valves solenoids, or other mechanical orelectronic devices which are used to alter the status of a buildingoperating system 14 or control item 16 such as a door lock, athermostat, a light switch 34, an elevator control, a speaker 36, amicrophone 38 and/or a monitor to name a few. It should be noted thatthe identified elements for the control items 16, building operatingsystems 14, system elements, or other identifiers herein are notintended to be exhaustive, and should be interpreted as expansive andare not intended to be limiting as to the specific elements or types ofelements as identified herein.

In some embodiments, the facility control unit 32 and/or each controlitem 16 includes a processor/controller 24 which includes a securityprotocol to restrict activation or a change of status until such time asthe security protocol has been satisfied. A security protocol may becommunicated directly through embedded pulsed LED light communicationsignals or through an intermediate embedded pulsed LED lightcommunication hub 26, or via an electrical signal passed over a wire 70.In some embodiments a change of status for a higher security clearancecontrol item 16 will require additional security verification orsecurity protocols as included with an embedded pulsed LED lightcommunication signal and will automatically generate a securitycommunication to a remote server 72 or facility control unit 32 as asecurity warning to another individual.

In some embodiments, the processor/controller 24 in communication witheach control item 16 receives control signals, activation signals, orchange of status signals which were generated from a facility controlunit 32, or other remotely located control server 72, or other systemserver. In some embodiments, the processor/controller 24 is incommunication with each control item 16 which may generate a device oroperational status signal to be received by a facility control unit 32,remotely located control server 72, or other system server. The deviceor operational status signal in some embodiments is generated andtransmitted by embedded pulsed LED light communication signals, asdescribed herein or as incorporated by reference herein.

In other embodiments, functions such as microphones 38 and speakers 36may be regulated if equipped with an embedded pulsed light communicationinterface such as a dongle device 30.

In some embodiments, a facility control unit 32 and/or remote server 72may include a or webpage. The webpage may have access to drawings,diagrams and/or blueprints of a structure 12, where an operatingexchange 44 on a facility control unit 32 permits an individual tomanipulate building operating systems 14 and control items 16 within abuilding 12. In some embodiments, the webpage functions as the interfaceto enable the activation/deactivation or manipulation of a buildingoperating system 14. In some embodiments, an individual may focus on adesired location on a drawing, diagram and/or blueprint of a building 12in order to access a building operating system control item 16 to toggleor manipulate the control item 16 to a desired setting. The drawing,diagram, and/or blueprint of the building 12 may include reference toany number of switches and/or controls for building operating systems14.

In some embodiments, the switches and/or controls for a buildingoperating system 14 may include sensors, meters or other electrical ormechanical setting devices to communicate feedback as to the currentstatus of a system setting, for the building operating system 14.

In some embodiments, the drawings, diagrams and/or blueprints of abuilding 12 as included in a facility control unit 32 or remote server72, may include markers/identifiers, such as rectangles or other shapes,which represent LED light fixtures 18 or groups of LED light fixtures 18or other systems or system control items 16.

In some embodiments, the facility control unit 32 and/or remote server72 may also include indicators as to operational performance such as thevolume of electricity being used, or the setting of a building operatingsystem 14, such as operation at a maximum level, as opposed to operationat a normal operational parameter.

In some embodiments, a map, drawing, diagram, blueprint or other twodimensional or three dimensional image may be made of a building 12,complex, or other geographic area. The map, drawing, diagram, blueprint,two dimensional or three dimensional image of the building 12, complexor geographic area may be used as an overlay in a software applicationfor an operating exchange 44 for a facility control unit 32 or remotelylocated control server 72.

In other embodiments, 3-D or laser imaging equipment may be utilized toform a virtual 3-D model for a building 12, complex or geographic area.In some embodiments, in a matter of hours, an individual using laserimaging equipment may walk through and scan an entire structure 12,mapping out all of the hallways 46, rooms 48, doorways 50, lights 52,light switches 34, thermostats, monitors, cameras 54, microphones 38,speakers 36, fire alarms, and smoke detectors, to name a few, and indoing so, form a three-dimensional walk through model for a structure 12or other geographic area.

Following scanning in some embodiments, the 3D representation of thebuilding may be partially transparent or a skeleton view, where elementssuch light fixtures 52, light switches 34, or control items 16 arevisible. In alternative embodiments, the laser imaging of a building 12may be in color or mono-chrome. In other embodiments, the operatingexchange 44 may assign various colors to designated portions of thevirtual cyber-building. For example, hallways 46 may all be designatedin a color such as beige and all of the rooms 48 may be designated bythe color green.

In some embodiments, the appearance of the space within a virtualcyber-building may be smaller or larger in appearance than the actualspace of the structure 12.

In at least one embodiment, an operating exchange 44 is utilized inassociation with a visible light embedded communication system or apulsed light communication system, using LED embedded pulsed lightcommunication signals generated from LED light fixtures 18. In someembodiments the operating exchange 44 is incorporated into theinfrastructure of a building or facility control unit 32 or remoteserver 72 in communication with LED light fixtures 18 and buildingoperating systems 14. In some embodiments the operating exchange 44includes a software operating system performing the features andfunctions as identified herein.

In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 is used to control all ofthe LED light fixtures 18 and building operating systems 14 within astructure or building 12. In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44may be in communication with more or less than all of the LED lightfixtures 18 or operating systems 14 for a building 12.

In at least one embodiment, the operating exchange 44 includesindicators which function to communicate the setting and/or operationalstatus of one or more building operating systems 14 such as LED lightfixtures 18, or other building systems, such as a thermostat.

In at least one embodiment, the operating exchange 44 includesindicators for the color, or color setting, for light generated by theLED's 20 within the LED light fixtures 18. In some embodiments, thecolor of the LED's 20 within the LED light fixtures 18 may vary betweenindividual and/or groups of LED's 20 and/or LED light fixtures 18.

In some embodiments, the use of embedded pulsed light communications tocontrol the building operating systems 14 through an interface with anoperating exchange 44 of a cyber-building replaces a building networkbased on radio frequency or a WIFI system. Networks based on radiofrequency or WIFI may become saturated, loosing speed or droppingsignals, especially if a number of people in a specific area are using acommon network.

In at least one embodiment, the operating exchange 44 is constructed andarranged to simulate or represent real life actions for control of abuilding operating system 14 in order to facilitate ease of use, andeliminate costly training and specialized education for designatedindividuals. In at least one embodiment, the operating exchange 44 willnot utilize commands, command lines, file location, or sub-filememorization by an individual in order to control or regulate a buildingoperating system 14.

In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 and the virtualcyber-building may include cyber display signs and/or cyber directionalmarkers to facilitate the recognition of a cyber-location and/or theidentification of the location for a control element access panel 58 fora user within a virtual cyber-building.

In some embodiments, a cyber-sign or display may facilitate access to aninstruction or to a control item 16 which is otherwise not immediatelyavailable, one example of which may be a critical function item whichunder normal operation is not subject to adjustment, or alternatively toa security item.

In some embodiments, an individual may use the operating exchange 44within a virtual cyber-building to test different operating systems 14,or may adjust the status of different operating systems 14, an exampleof which would be fire alarms, camera systems, audio systems, HVACsystems, intercom systems, elevator systems, telephone systems, and/orsecurity systems to name a few. It should be noted that the buildingoperating systems 14 identified herein have been provided for purposesof illustration and are not exhaustive of the types of systems which maybe controlled through the operating exchange 44 of a virtualcyber-building. It should also be noted that in some embodiments, theabove and other types of operating systems 14 are integrated into anetwork, and that at least one type of backbone for a network is theembedded pulsed light communication system as described herein or asincorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, scheduling and programming of building operatingsystems 14 may take into consideration variables such as daylightsavings time, temperature settings based on the time of year, and othervariables considered during the operation of a building, the aboveexamples not being limiting in this regard.

In some embodiments, a network may be provided through the use of aremote server 72. The backbone for the remote access to the operatingexchange 44 may be an embedded pulsed light communication network, whereembedded pulsed light communication signals are transmitted through freespace. One example of a visible light embedded communication system maybe a series of street lights, or other adjacent light sources, forsequential transmission of information or data embedded in a pulsed LEDlight signal, until such time as the pulsed LED light signal arrives atthe desired destination.

In some embodiments, an individual may speak any language or have anyeducational background or training, and may be able to immediately andintuitively operate the operating exchange 44 for the embedded LEDpulsed light and communication system and building operating systems 14.In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 is not dependent onculture or gender or knowledge of an individual.

In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 and an interface device60 do not require significant training, and eliminate the need for anindividual to know the location of controller commands on a computer,whether located in files or sub-files in a building operating system 14.The operating exchange 44 and the interface device 60 enable a user toengage in known life activities, such as walking to a desired locationwithin a virtual 3-D image for a desired operating system 14 in order toimplement system status modifications. For example, an individualdesiring to modify the status of an elevator will virtually walk up tothe elevator in a cyber building and pull open the control elementaccess panel 58 or port to retrieve or to manipulate a virtual controlelement 62 within the control element access panel 58. A command maythen be processed by the operating system for the operating exchange 44which may generate an embedded pulsed light communication from an LEDlight fixture 18 adjacent to a physical elevator control panel, wherethe pulsed light communication signal is received by a photodetector 22and processor/controller 24 integral, attached to, or in communicationwith the physical elevator controls to modify a status setting.Alternatively, the command may be communicated by pulsed lightcommunication signals to an intermediate pulsed light communication hub26 where the embedded pulsed light signal is processed, and in turn iscommunicated to the elevator control panel over a wire 70 to alter ormodify the status of the building elevator system.

In at least one embodiment, a user is not required to know where aninstruction, interface, or control item 16 is located, and the user isonly required to be able to recognize a virtual building system controlelement 62 and know where the building system control element 62 islocated relative to the operating system 14 within a cyber-building. Tooperate an elevator, an individual will walk up to the elevator in thecyber-building and access the control element access panel 58 and thevirtual control element 62. Alternatively, to operate a furnace orboiler, an individual will walk to the furnace or boiler in thecyber-building and access the control element access panel 58 andvirtual control elements 62.

In some embodiments, the architecture of the operating exchange 44, theoperating systems software, and the virtual cyber-building aresufficiently simplistic where an individual without explanation ortraining may modify, operate, and/or control building systems 14 throughthe seamless backbone of the embedded pulsed light communicationnetworks or systems.

In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 will be language neutraland include images for the virtual control elements 62, such as clocksto represent timing functions, and buttons or switches for lights, orrectangles having an image of fire for a fire alarm, to name a few ofthe many examples available. Therefore, in some embodiments, theoperating exchange 44 is not required to be modified for use with otherlanguages unless images or symbols are not readily recognized from acultural perspective.

In some embodiments, each building utilizing LED light fixtures 18 of anembedded pulsed light communication system may include a maprepresenting the location of each of the LED light fixture 18 where eachLED light fixture 18 includes a unique identifier 28 similar to a MACaddress, standard internet protocol identifier, the GPSRS GlobalPositioning System Routing System as more fully described in the abovereferenced commonly owned patents and patent applications which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety, or other types ofidentifiers.

In some embodiments, each virtual control element 62, switch, activationdevice, keypad, button or dial, to name a few, may include a uniqueidentifier 28. In addition, each photodetector 22, LED lighting element20, a dongle device 30, sensor, monitor, or other devices used toestablish communication within an embedded pulsed light communicationsystem may include a unique identifier 28.

In some embodiments, each LED dongle device 30, and each virtual controlelement 62 may include a unique identifier 28 which may be, or may besimilar to the GPSRS location address, MAC address, or an alpha-numeric,or numeric identifier to precisely locate the virtual control element 62relative to the map, diagram, drawings, image, 2D model, 3-D modeland/or blueprint of a structure 12 as included within a facility controlunit 32 or remote server 72.

In some embodiments, within the virtual image of the building 12 withinthe software operating system of the operating exchange 44, the controlelement access panel 58 or port may be a virtual drawer 64 or virtualaccess door which when opened exposes a virtual shelf.

In some embodiments, an individual using the interface device 60 mayenter the virtual building 12, walk to a designated location such as toa light switch, and open a control element access panel 58 or port bysliding open a drawer 64 or opening an access door to view the virtualcontents of the drawer 64 or shelf.

In some embodiments, inside the drawer 64 or on the shelf will belocated a plurality of virtual control elements 62, which would appearin any shape as desired, such as a clock 66 used for setting a timingschedule to activate or deactivate the control item 16 such as a lightswitch 34. Another example of a virtual control element 62 could be acalendar 68 which could be used for scheduling the activation ordeactivation of a control item 16 on a certain date, such as shuttingoff lights on a Friday evening at 7:30 pm and turning the lights on at6:00 am on a Monday morning.

In some embodiments an individual may use a central or single virtualcontrol element 62 such as a tablet computing device to control anynumber of control items 16 to manipulate a setting for a buildingoperating system 14.

In other embodiments, a single or central control element such as acellular phone, tablet computing device, laptop computer or otherportable electronic device may include a dongle interface 30 for use inmanipulation of the status of a virtual control element 62 or controlitem 16 of a building operating system 14. In some embodiments, anindividual transporting a portable electronic device may walk up to abuilding operating system 14 to activate the portable electronic device,or software application on the portable electronic device, to initiatethe control item 16 to alter the setting or status of the buildingoperating system 14. In this embodiment, the dongle device 30 maycommunicate directly with the control item 16 through visible lightembedded communication signals. Alternatively, the dongle device 30 maytransmit a visible light embedded communication signal to an LED lightfixture 18 which in turn may communicate the visible light embeddedcommunication command to a photodetector 22, on or in communicationwith, the control item 16, to alter a building operating system 14setting. In some embodiments, the electronic device functioning as thesignal or central control element may be remotely located relative tothe control item 16 and communicate a desired command to a buildingoperating system 14 through a dongle device 30 into an LED visible lightembedded communication system or network.

In other embodiments, when an individual is using the operating exchange44 to enter a virtual cyber-building 12, an individual may grasp avirtual control element 62, such as a virtual representation of acalendar, and the individual may walk in the virtual cyber building to avirtual operating system 14 such as an elevator. The operating systemsoftware will recognize the presence of the individual proximate to theelevator. The individual may then manipulate the virtual control element62, such as the calendar 68 to adjust a setting, such as disengaging theelevator on a Saturday and scheduling the reactivation of the elevatoron a Monday morning. The operating system software of the operatingexchange 44 recognizes the adjustment of a building operating system 14and implements the authorized commands for activation of the buildingoperating system control item 16 at the appropriate dates and/or times.

In other embodiments, the virtual control element 62 may be a universalelement and may include a number of different functions such as acalendar, clock, switch, dial, and/or color palette to name a few. Inthis embodiment an individual may be able to virtually walk in acyber-building 12 from one operating system 14 to another and to use theuniversal virtual control element to alter the status and/or settingsfor any number of building operating systems 14.

In some embodiments, the control items 16 and/or virtual controlelements 62 are restricted to operations or functions available only ata specific control element access panels 58 for a building system 14.For example control items 16 and/or virtual control elements 62 relatedto a control element access panel 58 or port for a light switch, wouldbe exclusively interfaced with the building lighting system, and wouldnot include control items 16 and/or virtual control elements 62 directedto the air circulation or air conditioning. Control items 16 and/orvirtual control elements 62 for the air circulation/conditioning/coolingsystem would be located in a control element access panel 58 or portproximate to an air condition unit, which in the virtual 3-D image forthe building 12 may be located on a roof or mechanical room or area.

The manipulation of the virtual control element 62 within the virtual3-D image of the building modifies the building operating system 14 toaccommodate the selected settings. At the selected or appropriate time,which could be simultaneously, the building operating system 14 on thefacility control unit 32 will signal a change in status to a controlitem 16, either through a signal transmitted over a wired electricalconnection 70 or by initiating the transmission of a pulsed LED lightsignal through an LED light fixture 18 to be received by a photodetector22 at or in communication with the control item 16. The control item 16will then implement the status change such as turning on or off aparticular light fixture 18. It should be noted that this identifiedprocess is equally applicable to other building systems as identifiedherein, including HVAC, fire, camera, speaker, microphone, security, aswell as all other types of building operating systems 14 which may beregulated by an individual.

In some embodiments, dependent on the building system 14 to be operated,the area or space within the control element access panel 58 will beenlarged, and the number of virtual control elements 62 accessiblethrough the control element access panel 58 will be increased. Forexample, a drawer 64 as the control element access panel 58 for a lightfixture may be smaller and include fewer virtual control elements 62 ascompared to the drawer 64 for the control element access panel 58 for anHVAC system. In some embodiments, the appearance of the control items 16and/or virtual control elements 62 is selected to as closely as possiblerepresent the function to be regulated. For example, a calendar 68 maybe selected to represent the function of date scheduling. In anotherexample, a watch or clock 68 may be selected to represent a timingfunction. In another example, a thermometer may be selected to representa temperature setting. Numerous additional alternatives are available.In at least one embedment, the appearance of the control items 16 and/orvirtual control elements 62 is selected to minimize confusion to anoperator or user. In some embodiments, a control element access panel 58may include multiple shelves or drawers and/or virtual control elements62 which may be placed according to an anticipated frequency of use,where certain virtual control elements 62 are located behind othervirtual control elements 62 in a subordinate location. In someembodiments, a control element access panel 58 may include multipleshelves or drawers and/or virtual control elements 62, where one or moreshelves or virtual control elements 62 may have a restricted accessindicator requiring entry of an additional security clearance prior to astatus change for a building system 14.

In other embodiments, a control element access panel 58 may include avirtual control element 62 which itself is another sub-control elementaccess panel including sub-control items.

In some embodiments, a virtual cyber-building for a structure such as aschool will include numerous control element access panels 58, forexample, a control element access panel 58 at the front door, theoffice, the principal's office, the custodian office, the mechanicalroom, and the lunchroom. Each of the control element access panels 58 ata different location may include virtual control elements 62 used tomanipulate different systems, or functions. In some embodiments, abuilding 12 may include security cameras 54 which may be manipulatedthrough a control element access panel 58 located at a security stationwithin a virtual cyber-building by modification of the camera controlitem.

In some embodiments, the virtual control elements 62 within the controlelement access ports 58 may be 3-D pictorial application, orapplications as used on a smart phone, tablet device or other electronicdevice.

In some embodiments, a virtual control element 62, such as a calendar68, regulates days of operation; a stopwatch regulates hours ofoperation; a video camera regulates areas of recording images; anelevator control panel regulates default settings or operation of theelevator; a thermometer regulates temperature; and/or a fire alarm boxregulates operational status such as a fire alarm. In some embodiments,the same or different virtual control elements 62 may be located on avirtual computer within the virtual cyber-building for activation and/ormodification by an individual using an interface device 60. In someembodiments, the virtual control elements 62 may be displayed on a largevideo screen within an operating exchange 44.

In some embodiments the operating system software for the operatingexchange 44, including the virtual 3-D image model, may be accessed byan interface device 60 which may be pulsed light transceiver glasses 74,virtual reality glasses, motion detectors or sensors, or manualcontrollers such as toggles or joy sticks, which are in communicationwith a display device. The interface device 60 may be used to access theoperating exchange 44 in a manner similar to a videogame controller anddisplay on a monitor, image projector screen or television.

In some embodiments, an individual using an interface device 60 may berequired to satisfy logon, password and/or other security protocols, inorder to access the building virtual 3-D image/map within the operatingexchange 44. An individual using an interface device 60 may then eitherobserve or modify the operational settings and/or status of the buildingsystems 14 which are in some embodiments communicated to the fixturecontrol unit or controller 24 by pulsed LED light communication signals.Status or setting changes are integrated into the operating exchange 44and virtual 3-D image/map for the building. In some embodiments, a userusing the interface device 60 may either remotely or virtually observe,modify, or enter into the virtual 3-D building map/model as a walkthrough, or may select a specific area of the virtual 3-D buildingmap/model for observation or manipulation.

In some embodiments, the use of the interface device 60 enables a userto virtually enter into a previous imaged building 12 in a mannersimilar to a video game, and observe the actual building systems 14 andcontrol items 16 for a building.

In some embodiments, during use of the interface device 60 the controlelement access panel 58 having the virtual control elements 62, such asa light switch, may be located on a virtual wall. Each virtual controlitem 16 may include a unique identifier 28 which is used to specificallychange the status of a particular building operating system.

In some embodiments, an individual may use one or more interface devices60 such as LED light transceiver glasses 74 and/or motion sensors, andmay walk through a cyber-building 12, to a particular geographiclocation to access a virtual control element 62. Movement through thecyber-building may in some embodiments occur with body gestures,posture-recognition, eye movements, or hand movements by an individualusing a motion detector/sensor device such as virtual reality gloves orhand movement sensors. In addition, in some embodiments, a user mayproceed through a cyber-building by using voice commands as recognizedby voice recognition software or a combination of any of the aboveidentified interface devices, including hand controllers, joy sticks,key pad directional elements, toggles, buttons, voice commands,gestures, or movements.

In other embodiments, camera(s) 54, which may be located on an LED lightfixture 18, record images for processing by the operating systemsoftware including the voice, gesture, motion recognition softwarefeature to name a few, where the voice, gesture and/or motion by anindividual functions as the interface device in substitution for glassesor sensors as mentioned herein.

In some embodiments, an individual may use an interface device 60 suchas visible light transceiver glasses 74 or other interface devices 60while present at a remote location. The individual may pass through anyrequired security protocols to logon to an operating exchange program 44for a facility control unit 32 having a cyber-building 3-D virtualimage. The individual may then make a gesture, eye movement, posturechange, head movement, voice command, or other instruction, which isdetected by the visible light transceiver glasses 74, other interfacedevice(s) 60, and/or camera 54 and is translated into pulsed lightcommunication signals which are communicated to an LED light fixture 18as a portion of a pulsed light communication system. The pulsed lightcommunication system may be connected to a broadband over power linesystem or directly to a remote control server 72. The remote controlserver 72 will receive the pulsed light communication signal such as amovement command and process the pulsed light communication signal topass the command signal (which may occur over the internet) to thefacility control unit 32 and/or the operating exchange 44 for thecyber-building. The individual using the interface device 60 may thenwalk through the cyber-building to a control element access panel 58 tomodify the status of a virtual control element 62. Simultaneously, areverse communication may be generated back from the operating system 14to the facility control unit 32 (which may occur over the internet) backto the control server 72. The control server 72 then may activate an LEDlight fixture 18 to generate pulsed light communication signals forreceipt by the visible light transceiver glasses or interface device 60for transmission onto a display as used by the operator to confirm thata status change for an operating system 14 has occurred.

In some embodiments, a user of an operating exchange 44 for acyber-building may employ the use of controllers, which are similar toappearance to a known video controllers, including a joy stick, as aninterface device 60. Manipulation of buttons or the joy stick mayfacilitate an individual's movement down hallways 42, through commonspaces, through offices, into elevators, or into other areas within thecyber-building to name a few. The manipulation of the controller enablesan individual to move forward or backward, or to either side within acyber-building.

In other embodiments, a key pad or a tablet electronic device mayinclude keys or pressure sensitive areas to function as a interfacedevice 60 for movement within the operating exchange 44 for thecyber-building. In some embodiments, any device which functions in amanner similar to a video controller may be used to facilitate movementwithin the virtual cyber-building.

In at least one embodiment, the control of one or more of the buildingsystems 14 of a virtual cyber-building may be accomplished as simply asputting on a set of visible light transceiver glasses 74 and walkingthrough the front door of the virtual cyber-building.

In some embodiments, the interface device 60 in communication with theoperating exchange 44 enables a user to virtually access and/or control3-D representations of visible surfaces, area controls, accessibleinformation displays, and establish a desired orientation within avirtual cyber-building.

In some embodiments, the use of the interface device 60 in associationwith the operating exchange 44 provides sensory input to an individualwhich in turn improves an individual's memory as to the location ofvirtual control elements 62 and operation of the systems 14 of abuilding 12. In addition, a person using the interface device 60 inassociation with the operating exchange 44 will know the location ofcontrol items 16 which will be proximate to the building systems 14 tobe controlled or modified. The use of the interface device 60 inassociation with the operating exchange 44 provides a much more naturalinterface with the systems 14 of a building.

In at least one embodiment, a user using an interface device 60 willview a very detailed image of a virtual control element 62 such as acalendar or light switch. In some embodiments, a virtual control element62 may in fact be a virtual 3-D computer as a “living icon”. Anindividual may access the virtual computer to regulate the systems 14 ofa building 12.

In at least one additional embodiment, an individual wearing aninterface device 60 for integration with the operating exchange 44 mayvirtually enter any hallway 46 or other building area, an example ofwhich could be a gymnasium, within the virtual cyber-building and adjusta temperature or light setting for the selected area or hallway 46,including the use of an on-off timing feature, hot or cool temperature,and color setting for the lights within the selected area. In at leastone embodiment, the facility control unit 32 and the operating exchange44 will perform the necessary interpolations and/or calculations togenerate the desired commands to regulate the number of power supply's,or to issue commands to one or more LED light fixtures 18 or otherelectronic devices over a pulsed light communication network. Theprocessed commands include the unique identifiers 28 as assigned to eachcontrol item 16 and pulsed light communication system element within thebuilding or structure. The operating exchange 44 will also determine ifmore than one, or a plurality of, control items 16 are required to beactivated in order to implement the received command. An example wouldbe to activate more than one, or a plurality of power supplies, or aplurality of LED light fixtures 18.

In some embodiments, the virtual interaction through the interfacedevice 60 to the operating exchange 44 is designed to promote andmaximize associated realities between the actual physical status of abuilding system 14 and the virtual cyber-building control elements 62.

In some embodiments, an individual may either access the operatingexchange 44 at the actual building in an on-site setting, oralternatively, may remotely obtain access to the operating exchange 44through a network such as the internet. If remote access is desired thensecurity access, as well as logon protocols may be required.

In some embodiments, movement within a cyber-building may occur throughbody gestures, eye movements, posture recognition, voice recognition,body motion, head movements, and/or other types of recognition. Thebody, posture or other types of recognition may occur through the use ofsensors attached to an individual. In an alternative embodiment, an LEDlight fixture 18 may include a camera 54 or other sensing device wherethe camera 54 will recognize the body, posture or other type ofmovement, and the controller 24 in communication with the camera 54 willconvert the body, posture or other type of movement into a signal whichmay be passed to the operating exchange 44 for the facility control unit32. In addition to visible light embedded communication the signals maybe transmitted over a broadband over power line system, over theinternet, or over a wired connection. In some embodiments, eye movementsmay be recognized through the use of cameras 54 or other sensors asincorporated into visible light transceiver glasses 74. The eye movementwill be recorded and transmitted from the LED's as pulsed lightcommunication signals from the frame of the visible light transceiverglasses 74 to at least one LED light fixture 18, where the pulsed lightcommunication signal will be received and processed by the controller24, for communication to the operating exchange 44 for the cyberbuilding. In an alternative embodiment, an LED light fixture 18 having acamera 54 may recognize eye movement to process and communicate actionsassociated with the eye movement in a manner similar to that of the bodyor posture gestures. In some embodiments, movement within acyber-building may alternatively occur by movements of an individual'shead, such as a head tilt forward or a head tilt backward, or associatedwith movements of an individual's hands as recognized by one or morecameras 54 on an LED light fixture 18 or by motion sensors on anindividual's hands, head or other body parts. In some embodimentsparticular types of hand gestures will be associated with specificcontrol commands. For example an individual may approach a wall or acyber-decal on a wall, and make a specific type of hand motion orgesture in the virtual space which will correspond to a specific commandor function for manipulation of a control item 16. The operatingexchange 44 will recognize the specific hand motion or gesture and issuethe corresponding command to the control item 16.

In other embodiments, an individual may make a gesture, eye movement,posture change, head movement, voice command, or other movement, motionor instruction which is detected by the camera 54 and/or microphone 38which may be located on an LED light fixture 18. In this embodiment, anindividual's actions replace the use of an interface device 60. Anindividual's motions, sounds or actions as detected by the camera 54and/or microphone 38 or other sensor are translated by the controller 24into electrical signals which may be communicated as visible lightembedded communication signals to another optical transceiver, or over abroadband over power line system/network. The additional opticaltransceivers and/or broadband over power line features may be elementsof a pulsed light communication system or network. The signalsrepresenting the individual's motions, sounds, or action may then becommunicated to the remote server 72, facility control unit 32, and/orthe operating exchange 44, which in turn will process the signal intocommands within the virtual cyber-building. An individual may then walkthrough the cyber-building to a control element access panel 58 tomodify the status or setting for a virtual control element 62. In someembodiments the signals communicated to the remote sensor 72, facilitycontrol unit 32 and/or operating exchange 44 may occur over the internetor by broad band over power line.

In an alternative embodiment, motion sensors may be incorporated into aset or pair of visible light transceiver glasses 74 which may recordhead or body movement. In addition, a set of visible light transceiverglasses 74 may include motion sensors and cameras 54 to recognizemovement and/or sense movement or recognize or sense eye movement ascommands within the operating exchange 44 for a cyber-building. In someembodiments, the control items 16 and/or virtual control elements 62 maybe activated by posture, gestures, motion, eye movement, manipulation ofalpha-numeric keys, and/or voice recognition to name a few activationand control options.

In some embodiments, an LED light fixture 18 includes a camera 54 and acontroller/processor 24 including facial recognition software, voicerecognition software, image recognition software, posture recognitionsoftware, and movement recognition software to name a few.

In some embodiments the facial recognition, voice recognition, or otherrecognition software in communication with the operating exchange 44 mayobviate or satisfy security protocols associated with access to and/orcontrol of building operating system control items 16 and/or virtualcontrol elements 62. The facial recognition, voice recognition, or otherrecognition as recorded by the camera 54 and/or microphone 38 mayenhance access to the operating exchange 44 by eliminating the need forlogon or password entries.

In some embodiments a camera 54 will provide a dynamic real timerecognition and/or recording of an environment, individuals within anenvironment, or objects in an environment, for translation andincorporation into a real time cyber representation of a structure orenvironment.

In some embodiments, the real time and/or dynamic representation ofindividuals in a cyber environment will assist in rescue, firefightingor law enforcement activities. In this embodiment, the camera 54interfaces with the operating exchange 44 which includes a 2-D or 3-Drepresentation of an environment, or a map to a cyber location. Thecamera 54 records images which are processed by the controller 24 andcommunicated by visible light embedded communications or over a broadband over power line to a facility control unit 32 or remote server 72.The information recorded by the camera 54 may then be matched to apreviously scanned image and meshed into, or super imposed on, thepreviously stored 2-D or 3-D cyber representation of the environment toprovide a dynamic or real time cyber image of the individuals andobjects within the environment. The operating exchange 44 and camera 54may be used to continuously update, periodically update, orinstantaneously update the previously stored 2-D or 3-D cyberrepresentation of the environment to provide a dynamic fluid image of acyber-environment for a user.

In some embodiments, the mapping of an environment includes theidentification of objects and the positioning of objects with anenvironment for representation in a virtual cyber environment. Thismapping may be sufficiently specific to record all objects within anenvironment including the identification of objects within drawers or incabinets. In some embodiments, the camera 54 provides a dynamic orliving representation of an environment, where the operating exchange 44and the operating system software receives update images which mayrelocate the position of objects within the virtual cyber representationof an environment, to be consistent with the visual recordings withinthe subject environment. For example, a camera 54 may record an itembeing moved from a drawer to a cabinet. In at least one embodiment, theoperating exchange 44 and/or the operating system software will relocatethe scanned image, and alter the location of the scanned image to acurrent location with a cyber environment. In some embodiments anindividual may be able to identify the current location of the cyberobject by issuance of a voice inquiry processed by voice recognition orby other movement or actions.

In some embodiments, the motion, gesture, eye movement, head movement,and/or voice recognition software, to name a few, as in communicationwith a visible light embedded communication system communicatessignals/commands as previously recorded by a camera 54 and/or microphone38. The recognition software may be in communication with the operatingexchange 44 as located on either the facility control unit 32 and/or aremote server 72. The signals from the recognition software may bepassed to a destination through visible light embedded communicationsand/or over a broad band over power line system. In some embodiments,the signals from the recognition software may be incorporated into,become, or may be piggy-backed onto a WIFI, cellular and/or satellitetransmission.

In some embodiments the destination of signals for the recognitionsoftware may be electrical or mechanical devices which may be operatedthrough electronic controls. The electrical or mechanical deviseinclude, but are not necessarily limited to devices such as roboticequipment, robots, drones, planes, automobiles, fork lifts, conveyers,molds, manufacturing equipment to name a few. In this embodiment, anindividual may access an operating exchange 44 for entry into a cyberenvironment which may include controls for any type of electronic ormechanical device, a few types of which have been identified herein. Acamera 54 on an LED light fixture 18 may then record images of anindividual and/or a microphone 38 may record sounds for processing bythe operating system software. The recorded images and/or sounds maythen be processed by the recognition software for communication to thecontrols for the mechanical and/or electrical devices.

An individual may then be operating the mechanical or electronic devicewithin the cyber environment where the visible light embeddedcommunication system provides the backbone for the actual devicecontrollers. In this embodiment, the cyber-life electronic commerce andsystem control device may be used in any number of fields including butnot limited to manufacturing, communication, education, medicine, andcommerce to name a few. In this embodiment, the camera 54 allowsvisualization of cyber objects and even visual magnification of cyberobjects to provide vision assistance to an individual controlling remoteor robotic functions. A physician may utilize any number of thesefeatures if desired to assist in a treatment procedure or roboticoperation for a patient. An individual may also fly an aircraft or dronewithin a cyber environment where movements, gestures, and/or sounds arerecorded and communicated at least partially over a visible lightembedded communication system/network. In some embodiments commandsignals initially within a visible light embedded communication systemmay be super imposed or piggy-backed onto other communication networks.

In some embodiments recorded gestures, motion and/or sounds areconverted to visible light embedded communication signals by controller24 of an LED light fixture 18. The visible light embedded communicationmay then be transmitted to an adjacent LED light fixture 18 by broadbandover power line or by visible light embedded communications.

In some embodiments if an object which is the destination of the visiblelight embedded communication includes an optical transceiver andcontroller, then visible light embedded communication signals may beused to communicate the control commands. If an object which is thedestination of the visible light embedded communication does not includean optical transceiver and controller, then the visible light embeddedcommunication signals may only be partially transmitted to the objects,where conventional signal communication techniques may be used for thelast mile transmission.

In some embodiments, the security associated with the remote control ofobjects is improved through the use of visible light embeddedcommunications regardless as to the inclusion of the use of an operatingexchange 44 in association with a virtual cyber environment. Security isimproved due to the inclusion or sequential inclusion of uniqueidentifiers 28 which may be added to a data packet 210 as the datapacket 210 moves from one component of a visible light embeddedcommunication system to another component. In some embodiments theunique identifier 28 may include GPSRS information, a MAC address, astandard internet protocol identifier or another type of identifier.Therefore, a series or a collection of unique or sequential identifiers28 form a portion of a data packet 210 which in some embodiments may bea command packet for operation or control of a device. The authenticityof the series or collection of unique identifiers 28 may be easilyverified as a portion of security protocol to verify a commandcommunication.

In some embodiments, an individual such as a teacher may walk into aroom having an LED light fixture 18 and the camera 54 will record animage of the teacher. The facial recognition software or imagerecognition software will match the recorded image to stored images. Ifrecognition is established then a controller 24, facility control unite32, and/or a remote server 72 may activate one or more of the LED lightfixtures 18 or computers, or other electronic devices in one or moreareas. Alternatively, all of the lights and electronic devices may beactivated by the generation of illumination comprising visible lightembedded communication signals. In other embodiments, the LED lightfixture 18 may include motion detectors which will automaticallyactivate illumination upon detection of motion within a designated area.It should also be noted that electronic devices as located within a roomor area may be adapted to receive, process and/or generate visible lightembedded communication signals through the use of an LED dongle device30. LED dongle device 30 as connected to electronic devices may beconfigured to transition from an inactive to an active status uponreceipt of a pulsed LED light communication signal.

In some embodiments, the movement, posture, or gesture recognitionsoftware on the controller 24, facility control unit 32 and/or theremote server 72 may process a gesture or posture change as recorded bya camera 54 to activate one or more LED's 20 or to alter or to provide adesired color of illumination whether warm, cool, yellow, white oranother desired visible color. In addition, gestures, posture changes,or movements as recorded by the camera 54 and as processed by thecontroller 24, fixture control unit 32 and/or remote server 72 maychange brightness of illumination emitted from the LED's 20. In somealternative embodiments, an individual such as a teacher may use visiblelight transceiver glasses 74 to access an operating exchange 44 for aclassroom. The teacher may open a control element access panel 58 andselect a light color setting from a pallet of available colors includedon a virtual control element 62 such as an artist's pallet, or anotherimage including a plurality of colors.

In some embodiments, a space or area may be simultaneously occupied byan individual and manipulated as a virtual cyber space through anoperating exchange 44 and use of an interface device 60 such as visiblelight transceiver glasses 74, camera 54, or other controller. A teachermay also in the middle of a lesson alter the environmentalcharacteristics of a classroom through manipulation of a virtual cyberclassroom according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, upon the confirmation of the identity of theteacher by the facial recognition software, the facility control unit 32may activate pre-programmed settings for automatic illumination of theLED lights 20 from the LED light fixture 18 to provide illumination overthe teacher's desk. The camera 54 may also record the image of studentsin a classroom and the facility control unit 32 and/or controller 24 ofthe LED light fixture 18 may process the images of the students in thefacial recognition software to confirm identity of the students, and maysignal the LED light fixtures 18 within classroom to provide additionalillumination. The facial recognition software on the controller 24,facility control unit 32 and/or remote server 74 may also be programmedto provide a security or warning signal if an individual in a classroomor other secure area is not recognized by the facial recognitionsoftware. In some embodiments, the lights or settings for a classroommay include personalized settings activated following facial recognitionauthorization.

In some embodiments, the camera 54 located in a classroom or school isin communication with a controller 24, facility control unit 32 and/orremote server 72, which in turn may include facial and/or voicerecognition software. In at least one embodiment, if an individual isunrecognized, and a security threshold is triggered, then the remoteserver 72, facility control unit 32 and/or controller 24 may issue avisible light embedded communication signal to be received by an opticaltransceiver integral to or in communication with one, a plurality, orall of the door locks for one, a plurality, or all of the classrooms orother areas within a school. In real time any number of doors of aschool may be locked in a security situation.

In some embodiments, an individual may access an operating exchange 44to identify in real time, the location of students, teachers, staff orother individuals within a school. Real time location and/or tracking ofa missing student may therefore be provided through the use of thevisible light embedded communication system described herein. In atleast one embodiment, a user of the LED light fixtures 18 and pulsedlight communication system may be referred to as a hosting customer. Ahosting customer, in some embodiments, may have a 3-D laser scanperformed at a business location. The scanned 3-D image of a customerbusiness may be stored on a control server 72 or facility control unit32 which may include a premise site webpage. The premise site may be aretail business, a school, a building or an airport terminal to name afew examples. The premise site 3-D image or map may be accessed remotelyby an individual authorized to receive the 3-D image, or by the generalpublic, at the discretion of the host customer. Alternatively, access tothe premise site may be regulated by security codes, encryption softwareor hardware, logon or password criteria.

In some embodiments, an entire mall may be scanned into a 3-D image andloaded into a control server 72 or facility control unit 32 as a premisesite. In some embodiments, one or more or all of the retail locationswithin a mall may also be scanned into a 3-D image and loaded into acontrol server 72 or facility control unit 32 as a portion of acomposite premise site, or as an independent premise site. The creationof a 3-D scanned image of a retail location and the use of the operatingexchange 44 as described herein may significantly improve a customer'ssales experience.

In some embodiments each retail location is a subscriber to the pulsedlight communication services as identified or as incorporated byreference herein. In some embodiments, the control server 72 or thefacility control unit 32 includes the operating exchange 44 as earlierdescribed to establish a virtual cyber retail location which may includeone or more virtual cyber retail outlets.

In some embodiments, a user may use a camera 54 of an LED light fixture18 or an interface device 60 to access the operating exchange 44 for thevirtual retail cyber outlet, and may walk through the virtual retailcyber outlet using movements, posture, gestures, eye movement, headmovement or other actions as earlier described. A display of the virtualretail cyber location or virtual retail cyber outlet may be displayed onan individual's computer, lap top, television, tablet, smart phone orother electronic device. An individual using an interface device 60 suchas visible light transceiver glasses 74 may walk through and access thevirtual retail cyber outlet in a manner as previously described asrelated to the control of systems of a building.

In some embodiments, in a virtual retail cyber location an individualmay be able to view retail items 82 available for purchase from a remotelocation through use of the interface device 60 and operating exchange44 as integrated into the pulsed light communication network andfixtures. In addition, an individual user may visualize in the virtualretail cyber location features such as hallways 46, isles 80, commonareas holding kiosks, or other areas. In each virtual retailer cyberoutlet, a customer service station 78 may also be provided having avirtual cash register.

In some embodiments, the premise site and the 3-D model of the virtualretail cyber outlet enables a user to virtually, through the camera 54or interface device 60 and operating exchange 44, to select items 82 forpurchase, and to approach a customer service station 78 to complete atransaction for an item 82. In at least one embodiment, the use of thepulsed light communication system and network enables a user tocommunicate in real time with a retail sales associate. In at least oneembodiment real time communication with a sales associate may occurthrough the microphone 38 and speakers 36 engaged to the LED lightfixture 18 and/or the voice recognition software of the operatingexchange 44. It is anticipated that the real time communication willoccur at speeds in excess to that available through the use of cellulartelephones. In addition, it is anticipated that the quality of the oralcommunication will also exceed the quality available through the use ofcellular telephones and occur in real time.

In at least one embodiment, a sales associate may be receivinginformation from a terminal or computer, or alternatively may be wearinganother interface device 60, or may be receiving communications fromspeakers 36 and/or microphones 38 of an LED light fixture 18 or LEDdongle device 30 to communicate in real time with a customer.

In at least one embodiment, payment authorization for a virtual cybertransaction may occur through the exchange of information, by entry ofdata into a payment program, by scanning or any other payment optionthat may be available for electronic payment processing.

In some embodiments, the operating exchange 44 for the virtual retailcyber outlet will utilize the backbone and architecture of the LEDpulsed light communication system as described and as incorporated byreference herein.

In some embodiments, a camera 54 as integral to a LED light fixture 18may record an image of a customer, and a sales association in real time,for display to the other individual during a sale or exchange. Both acustomer and a sales representative may be using an interface device 60during a virtual cyber sales or exchange event. In some embodiments, theuse by a customer and by a sales associate of an interface device 60 foraccess to an operating exchange 44 may occur without significanttraining to a customer. The live interface between a customer and asales representative through the operating exchange 44 allows thecustomer to inquire about variables such as sizing for a particularbrand or if an item will satisfy a customer's needs. The operatingexchange 44 surpasses the know internet sales techniques of selecting animage from a screen and clicking a mouse. In some embodiments, the useof the camera 54 or interface device 60 in associate with the operatingexchange 44 facilitates customer satisfaction by improving theopportunity for a customer to interact and to communicate inquiries to asales associate in order to effectively select correct items forpurchase.

In some embodiments, a supplemental 3-D scanned area may be added as anoverlay or additional area to a previously scanned 3-D image of avirtual retail cyber outlet. The supplemental area may be an additionalretail area such as a “back room” providing access to items for salewhere an actual physical room at a retail location is not available.

In some embodiments, the 3-D image of the virtual back rooms may beformed by a temporary 3-D scan of an area, or at a remote location,which may be available from a retail chain or other retail location.

In addition, in some embodiments the 3-D image of the virtual retailcyber outlet is not required to physically include all sizes and alloptions for a selected item, and the selection and purchase of an itemmay be communicated to a central processing location to extract aparticular size or color of an item from a larger inventory for shipmentto a customer.

In some embodiments, the 3-D scan of a premise site is not restricted toa retail location but may include any location such as a skyscraper,museum, art gallery, work place, etc.

In some embodiments, a 3-D scan of a premise site may be stored incommon objects or groups, and may be accessed by an individual using acamera 54 or an interface device 60 and operating exchange 44 in amanner similar to an individual retrieving a volume of a series. Groupsof common or related premise sites may be combined into a collectionwhich may have the appearance of a volume of a set. The user may selectthe desired group of premise sites within the selected volume and thenretrieve an individual premise site to virtually explore through theinterface device 44. In some embodiments, the selection of a particularpremise site may include additional information available in electronicformat such as movies, books, music, to name a few examples, which maybe transmitted/communicated electronically via the visible lightembedded communication signals to an individual using an operatingexchange 44.

In at least one embodiment as may be seen in FIG. 1A an individual iswearing a user interface device 60 such as visible light transceiverglasses 74 and motion sensitive gloves. The individual in FIG. 1A isaccessing the operating exchange 44 through the user interface devices60. In FIG. 1B the individual is moving to enter into a premise site fora virtual retail cyber location such as a hardware store having LEDpulsed light fixtures 18 and visible light embedded communicationcapabilities. As may be seen in FIG. 2A the individual in the virtualretail cyber location is walking down an isle 80 browsing for desiredgoods. In FIG. 2C the individual has retrieved an item 82 and has movedin the virtual cyber location to present the item 82 to a customerservice employee for purchase as depicted in FIG. 2C. In FIG. 2C thecustomer service employee is in communication with the individual inreal time through the use of visible light embedded communicationsignals to complete a transaction as earlier described.

In at least one embodiment as may be seen in FIG. 3 an individual iswearing a user interface device 60 such as visible light transceiverglasses 74 and motion sensitive gloves. The individual in FIG. 3 isaccessing the operating exchange 44 for a building 12 through the userinterface devices 60. In FIG. 4 the individual is moving to enter into apremise site for a virtual cyber office location having LED pulsed lightfixtures 18 and visible light embedded communication capabilities. Asmay be seen in FIG. 5 the individual in the virtual cyber officelocation is walking down a hallway 46. In FIG. 6 the individual hasentered into a virtual office and in FIG. 7 the individual has moved toa virtual light switch and a control element access panel 58 as adjacentto the virtual light switch. As may be seen from FIG. 7 the individualhas virtually opened the control element access panel 58 in order tomanipulate one of the virtual control elements 62 depicted as a clock ora calendar as earlier described. As depicted in FIGS. 3 through 7, anindividual through the user interface devices 60, and the operationexchange 44 for a cyber-location, may in real time alter the status of aremote building function, through a virtual presence and manipulation ofa virtual control element 62 as disposed in a control element accesspanel 58.

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram for an embodiment 110 of an LED lightand communication system including Visible Light CommunicationTransceiver Glasses 118. FIG. 10 shows a server PC 112 connected via aUSB cable 114 to a server optical transceiver (XCVR) 116, and a set ofVisible Light Communication Transceiver Glasses 118 having an opticaltransceiver. The server PC 112 may be in communication with a network123 via a CAT-5 cable, for example. An exemplary optical XCVR (or,simply, “XCVR”) circuit includes one or more LEDs 124 for transmissionof light and one or more photodetectors 126 for receiving transmittedlight. The term “photodetector” includes “photodiodes” and all otherdevices capable of converting light into current or voltage. The termsphotodetector and photodiode are used interchangeably herein. The use ofthe term photodiode is not intended to restrict embodiments of theinvention from using alternative photodetectors that are notspecifically mentioned herein.

In at least one embodiment, the XCVR circuit may include an RS232 to USBconversion module. The transmit pin on the USB conversion module maydrive the driver electronics for the LEDs. In some embodiments, the XCVRcircuit includes high intensity LEDs. In some embodiments it may bedesirable to use high intensity LEDs to enhance lighting, to improvedata transmission, or both. In at least one embodiment, a 12 volt DC 3amp power supply is sufficient for powering one or more high intensityLEDs.

In some embodiments, the XCVR circuit further includes an amplifier foramplifying the optical signal received by the photodiodes. The output ofthe amplifier may be fed into level shifting circuitry to raise thesignal to TTL levels, for example. The signal may be fed into thereceive pin of the RS232 to USB module.

In some embodiments, a 9V battery can be used to power the amplifiercircuitry. Significant noise is generated by switching high brightnessLEDs on and off at 200 mA and 500 kbps, for example. Powering theamplifier with a battery may reduce these noise problems by reducing orremoving transients.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the LED can both emit andreceive light. In such an embodiment, the LED may act both as atransmitter or receiver. More information on such bi-directional LEDscan be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,072,587, the entire contents of whichare expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments a data packet 210 may include GPSRS location headerbits that include the packet's destination address 156 in GPSRS or othercoordinates. The data packet may further include GPSRS location trailerbits that include the packet's origin address 166 in GPSRS coordinates.The data packet may further include the address in GPSRS coordinates ofthe overhead optical XCVR that most recently transmitted the packet 158(the last known transmission address, or LTA). The data packet furtherincludes the data 162 to be transmitted, and may include any other bitsof information determined to be necessary for successful transmission ofdata, such as error detection bits. (FIG. 12) Alternatively, anothertype of identifier may be used such as a MAC address, standard internetprotocol identifier or other identifier.

Routing data packets from one location to another location can beaccomplished using GPSRS location information tags data packets having ageographic location or a cyber location. Such an embodiment eliminatesthe need for any later geographic or other location translation becausea data packet starts with geographic or other source and destinationinformation. This simplifies locating the destination of the datapacket.

In some embodiments, each data packet is assigned a GPSRSorigin/destination address or other unique identifier as it passesthrough the network infrastructure. The data packet is always searchingfor the next closest GPSRS address location. Each stationary (or static)optical XCVR 116, and some dynamic optical XCVRs, within a network willbe designated with a GPSRS location number. As a data packet passesthrough the network, it is routed by the optical XCVRs, with theirinternal processors, to the next physically closer optical XCVR withinthe network. If another optical XCVR is within receiving range, or isconnected with another form of communication medium, that optical XCVRreceives the data packet. The optical XCVR's internal processor comparesits internal GPSRS location address (ILA) to the data packet's GPSRSdestination address and the optical XCVR's last known transmissionaddress (LTA) stored within the data packet. If the ILA code is closerto the data packet destination address than the LTA code stored withinthe data packet, the optical XCVR's processor inserts its ILA code intothe data packet as the new LTA code and then repeats transmission of theentire data packet with the updated LTA code.

The network continues this process until the data packet reaches thedestination optical XCVR 116 which then transmits the data packet, atwhich point the data packet is projected or otherwise communicated to anindividual. If a piece of the infrastructure is missing, the packet willbe rerouted to the next nearest optical XCVR 116 and continue until itfinds the shortest pathway through the network to the destinationaddress.

Furthermore, the data may be communicated in a mesh-fashion, where eachXCVR lamp directly communicates with adjacent XCVR lamps and does notrequire central communications or processing. As a result, with littleif any infrastructure required, other than visible light encapsulatedcommunication illumination and appropriate processors and programmingfor each XCVR lamp, signals may be quickly and directly routed fromorigin to destination.

This means that each user on the network may declare one or more staticpositions and also may have a dynamic position. A static address may bea home, an office, etc. When a user leaves their static address locationto move through the network infrastructure, the user then becomesdynamic. The network may track the user as the user passes optical XCVRs116, similar to that of cell phones in relation to cell phone towers,and provide a dynamic address location. If a data packet begins with adestination address that is the user's static address, the network mayupdate the packet with the user's new dynamic address and reroute thepacket accordingly, in a scheme similar to that of cellular phones.

In some embodiments, the memory of a user's optical XCVR stores theunique code, the static GPSRS location address, or both, of anotheruser's optical XCVR in its “phone book”, like a cell phone. In at leastone embodiment, a device may include a display, also like a cell phone,that allows a first user to find a second user's information andinitiate communication with the second user.

In at least one first alternative embodiment a control device includes aserver, the server having an image of an area and an operating exchange,the operating exchange having at least one control element; an interfacedevice is in communication with the operating exchange and at least onecontrol element; and at least one building system, where the at leastone building system has at least one control item, the at least onecontrol item being in communication with the operating exchange, whereinat least one command is communicated from the interface device to theoperating exchange, and wherein the operating exchange communicates theat least one command to the at least one control item modifying asetting or status for the at least one building system.

In at least one second alternative embodiment according to the firstalternative embodiment the interface device is a camera.

In at least one third alternative embodiment according to the firstalternative embodiment the interface device is transceiver glasses.

In at least one fourth alternative embodiment according to the firstalternative embodiment the interface device includes sensors.

In at least one fifth alternative embodiment according to the firstalternative embodiment the image is a three dimensional image.

In at least one sixth alternative embodiment according to the firstalternative embodiment the server has recognition software.

In at least one seventh alternative embodiment according to the sixthalternative embodiment the recognition software is selected from thegroup consisting of gesture-recognition, posture-recognition, eyemovement recognition, item recognition, hand movement recognition,facial recognition, voice recognition, motion recognition and headmovement recognition software in any combination.

In at least one eighth alternative embodiment according to the firstalternative embodiment the control device includes a visible lightembedded communication network, the visible light embedded communicationnetwork having at least one light emitting diode light fixture having atleast one light emitting diode, at least one photodetector, and at leastone controller constructed and arranged to provide light in the visiblespectrum, the light in the visible spectrum having pulses of lightoccurring at a frequency which is not detectable by the unaided eyes ofan individual, the pulses of light including at least one embeddedcommunication or the command.

In at least one ninth alternative embodiment according to the eighthalternative embodiment the at least one light emitting diode lightfixture has at least one microphone and at least one speaker.

In at least one tenth alternative embodiment according to the eighthalternative embodiment the device further includes at least one facilitycontrol unit in communication with and disposed between the at least onelight emitting diode light fixture and the server.

In at least one eleventh alternative embodiment according to the tenthalternative embodiment the server has at least one unique identifier.

In at least one twelfth alternative embodiment according to the eleventhalternative embodiment the at least one control item has at least oneunique identifier.

In at least one thirteenth alternative embodiment according to thetwelfth alternative embodiment the at least one light emitting diodelight fixture has at least one unique identifier.

In at least one fourteenth alternative embodiment according to thethirteenth alternative embodiment, the at least one light emitting diodeand the at least one photodetector each have at least one uniqueidentifier.

In at least one fifteenth alternative embodiment according to thefourteenth alternative embodiment the at least one controller has atleast one unique identifier.

In at least one sixteenth alternative embodiment according to thefifteenth alternative embodiment the at least one facility control unithas at least one unique identifier.

In at least one seventeenth alternative embodiment according to thesixteenth alternative embodiment the interface device has at least oneunique identifier.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

I claim:
 1. A control device comprising: a server, said servercomprising an operating exchange, said operating exchange comprising atwo dimensional or three dimensional image of at least a portion of abuilding and at least one virtual control element displayed by saidoperating exchange on said image; said building comprising at least onebuilding system, said at least one building system comprising at leastone control item, said at least one control item comprising at least onecontrol item identifier, said at least one control item furthercomprising a control item transceiver, said control item transceivercomprising a control item processor, at least one control item lightemitting diode, and at least one control item photodetector; saidbuilding further comprising a visible light embedded communicationsystem, said visible light embedded communication system comprising aplurality of light emitting diode communication devices, each of saidlight emitting diode communication devices comprising a processor, aplurality of light emitting diodes, and at least one photodetector, saidplurality of light emitting diodes generating light as illumination,said processor being in communication with said plurality of lightemitting diodes and said at least one photodetector, said processorbeing in communication with said server and said processor beingconstructed and arranged for activation of said plurality of lightemitting diodes transmitting at least one command communication signal,and said at least one photodetector being constructed and arranged forreceipt of at least one received status communication signal, said atleast one transmitted command communication signal being embedded withinsaid illumination and having a wavelength in the visible spectrum, andsaid at least one received status communication signal being embeddedwithin a light signal having a wavelength in the visible spectrum, eachof said at least one transmitted command communication signal and saidat least one received status communication signal comprising a pluralityof rapid flashes of light, said rapid flashes of light having afrequency which is not observable to an individual, wherein said rapidflashes of light are configured for transmission of at least one ofinformation, instructions and data, each of said plurality of lightemitting diode communication devices further comprising at least oneinternal location identifier, said at least one transmitted commandcommunication signal comprising said at least one control itemidentifier; wherein manipulation of said at least one virtual controlelement initiates said at least one transmitted command communicationsignal; wherein said at least one control item photodetector receivessaid at least one transmitted command communication signal from saidvisible light embedded communication system and said control itemprocessor initiates modification of a setting or a status for said atleast one building system; and wherein said at least one control itemprocessor activates said at least one control item light emitting diodetransmitting said at least one received status communication signal tosaid visible light embedded communication system, said at least onereceived status communication signal comprising said at least oneinternal location identifier.
 2. The control device according to claim1, said control item processor comprising a security protocol.
 3. Thecontrol device according to claim 2, said at least one transmittedcommand communication signal comprising said security protocol.
 4. Thecontrol device according to claim 1, further comprising an interfacedevice in communication with said server.
 5. The control deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein said interface device is a camera, saidcamera being constructed and arranged for communication with saidvisible light embedded communication system.
 6. The control deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein said interface device comprisestransceiver glasses, said transceiver glasses being constructed andarranged for communication with said visible light embeddedcommunication system.
 7. The control device according to claim 4, saidinterface device comprising a unique identifier.
 8. The control deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein a visible light embedded communication hubis in communication with at least one of said plurality of lightemitting diode communication devices and said at least one control item,said visible light embedded communication hub being in communication inseries between said at least one light emitting diode communicationdevice and said at least one control item.
 9. The control deviceaccording to claim 1, said server comprising recognition software. 10.The control device according to claim 9, said recognition software beingselected from the group consisting of gesture-recognition,posture-recognition, eye movement recognition, hand movementrecognition, facial recognition, voice recognition, motion recognition,image recognition and head movement recognition in any combination. 11.The control device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of saidlight emitting diode communication devices is a visible light embeddedcommunication light fixture.
 12. The control device according to claim11, said visible light embedded communication light fixture comprisingat least one microphone and at least one speaker.
 13. The control deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising at least one facility controlunit in communication with and disposed between said plurality of lightemitting diode communication devices and said server.
 14. The controldevice according to claim 13, said at least one facility control unitcomprising a unique identifier.
 15. The control device according toclaim 1, said server comprising at least one unique identifier.
 16. Acontrol device comprising: a server, said server comprising an operatingexchange, said operating exchange comprising a two dimensional or threedimensional image of at least a portion of a building and at least onevirtual control element displayed by said operating exchange on saidimage; said building comprising at least one building system, said atleast one building system comprising at least one control item, said atleast one control item comprising at least one control item identifier,said at least one control item further comprising a control itemprocessor; said building further comprising a visible light embeddedcommunication system, said visible light embedded communication systemcomprising a plurality of light emitting diode communication devices,each of said light emitting diode communication devices comprising aprocessor, a plurality of light emitting diodes, and at least onephotodetector, said plurality of light emitting diodes generating lightas illumination, said processor being in communication with saidplurality of light emitting diodes and said at least one photodetector,said processor being in communication with said server and saidprocessor being constructed and arranged for activation of saidplurality of light emitting diodes transmitting at least one commandcommunication signal, and said processor being constructed and arrangedfor receipt of at least one received status communication signal, saidat least one transmitted command communication signal being embeddedwithin said illumination and having a wavelength in the visiblespectrum, and said processor being constructed and arranged forre-transmission of said at least one received status communicationsignal, said re-transmission of said at least one received statuscommunication signal being embedded within a light signal having awavelength in the visible spectrum, each of said at least onetransmitted command communication signal and said re-transmission ofsaid at least one received status communication signal comprising aplurality of rapid flashes of light, said rapid flashes of light havinga frequency which is not observable to an individual, wherein said rapidflashes of light are configured for transmission of at least one ofinformation, instructions and data, each of said plurality of lightemitting diode communication devices further comprising at least oneinternal location identifier, said at least one transmitted commandcommunication signal comprising said at least one control itemidentifier; wherein manipulation of said at least one virtual controlelement initiates said at least one transmitted command communicationsignal; wherein said control item processor receives said at least onetransmitted command communication signal and said control item processorinitiates modification of a setting or a status for said at least onebuilding system; and wherein said at least one control item processortransmits said at least one received status communication signal, saidat least one received status communication signal comprising said atleast one internal location identifier.